Best Avery County Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on environmental conservation in Avery County, North Carolina can apply for funding from the Harold T Southern Family Foundation. The foundation supports conservation efforts of organizations primarily located in Western North Carolina, including work to protect lands, parks, forests, and waters for healthier communities and future generations.

N.C. Forest Service - Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

The goal of the North Carolina Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is to help municipalities reach a level of sustainable U&CF management that matches their goals and capacity. We define urban and community forestry as follows:

Urban forestry is defined as the management of the planting, maintenance and protection of tree populations in urban settings to enhance the economic and ecosystem services trees provide to the community.

Community forestry is a branch of forestry that engages the community in the completion of urban forestry practices in support of local government, serves broader community needs and works for positive change.

When municipalities and partners accomplish urban and community forestry practices and activities in an ordered manner, they enhance the level of management in the community, leading to sustainable program success. 

We use the accomplishment of six specific standards to measure and classify the development status of a community’s U&CF program into one of four management classifications. This helps a community measure its progress, celebrate accomplishments, and allows us to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Urban and Community Forestry Project Financial Assistance Program is designed to help communities climb this sustainable management hierarchy. The program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance and guidance in the development and completion of U&CF projects comprised of urban and community forestry practices and activities. A Request for Applications (RFA) process is offered several times a year to help you plan and apply for these assistance opportunities. Definitions of the practices, activities and project deliverables can be found in the following document: NCFS U&CF FAP Glossary of Deliverables and Requirements

Financial Assistance Program Packages

We offer the following packages of specific practices and activities, each designed to help move a community up the management hierarchy or address a specific need.

• Climb to Tree City USA Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Climb to Managing Community Package (Consolidated Program Grant (CPG); Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))
• Tree Maintenance and Planting Packages: i) Tree maintenance and planting project (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)) and ii) Bad tree bounty project);
• Professional Staff Development Assistance
• N.C. Arbor Day Celebration Assistance
• Special Projects: Climb to Tree City USA Services (Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR); and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA))

Climb to Tree City USA Package

This assistance package is designed to help municipalities that have not met all the Tree City USA standards complete select urban forestry practices and community forestry activities that are foundational in the management of public trees and to achieve Tree City USA designation. The RFA opens in January each year.

Funding Program Options

A grant will be funded by one of the three funding programs. You will need to select one. (Contact NCFS U&CF program staff for guidance, if needed):

• Consolidated Program Grant (CPG)
• Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)
• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

Hurricane Helene Recovery (HHR)

• Tribal government or a municipality located in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Henderson, Madison, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania or Yancey counties.
• Cost share %: Reimbursement of 100% of eligible purchased goods and services.
• Indirect administration – 15% de minimis/total purchased goods and services.
• $2.2 million in assistance is available for award of all HHR funded RFAs.

The Environmental Initiative Grant Program by the Laura Jane Musser Fund aims to support public and nonprofit entities in enhancing the ecological integrity of open spaces. It promotes community involvement in planning and implementing projects that improve quality of life and public health while protecting ecosystems. Grants range from $8,000 for planning to $35,000 for implementation, targeting projects in specific states, fostering sustainability, and ensuring active local participation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Western North Carolina residents with social services, education, or environmental, cultural, or animal welfare programs in Avery County, North Carolina can apply for Walnut Cove Members Association grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Funding can support project-related salaries, scholarships, and necessary equipment, with a WCMA member sponsor required.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

The CALT Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship, supported by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, celebrates and preserves the rich traditions of Black Appalachian storytelling. This fellowship honors those who embody the history and culture of African Americans in the region. Each year, fellows are recognized at the National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference, receiving awards crafted by Dr. Dena Jennings. The program fosters a deeper understanding of these traditions and invites fellows to share their stories at future events.

The Bright Ideas Education Grants program, supported by North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, empowers K-12 teachers to implement innovative projects in classrooms. With applications open from April to September, educators can seek funding for creative learning initiatives. Annually, around 600 grants are awarded, enhancing educational experiences across diverse disciplines. This initiative not only enriches classroom instruction but also strengthens community ties, demonstrating the cooperatives' commitment to improving quality of life for local students.

Avery County, North Carolina students pursuing dental auxiliary careers such as dental assisting, hygiene, or lab technology can access funding through the North Carolina Community Foundation’s Gene L. Reese Scholarship Endowment. High school students and graduates from Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, and Watauga counties may receive more than US $1,000 to support their postsecondary dental training in the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in Avery County, North Carolina can receive up to US $20,000 for community and environmental initiatives. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Duke Energy Foundation supports workforce development, climate resiliency, STEM education, economic recovery, and opportunity and inclusion programs in Duke Energy–served areas across North Carolina.

Graduating high school seniors in Avery County, North Carolina and other western counties pursuing college can apply for The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina’s WNC Regional Scholarships, awarding US $1,000 - US $5,000 for higher education costs. Multiple endowed scholarship funds are administered through this regional program each year.

The In These Mountains: Infrastructure Grants, offered by South Arts, aim to preserve and promote the folk arts and traditional culture of Central Appalachia. This initiative supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee, focusing on enhancing the resources necessary for sustaining and advancing traditional arts. Grants of up to $30,000 are available to address non-programming expenses, ensuring the continuity of cultural practices while prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility.

Creating a Western North Carolina where every generation can live, learn, earn and thrive, with dignity and opportunity for all – no exceptions.

The best ideas for dramatically improving the health and wellbeing of the region come from the people who live and work in our local communities. 

Dogwood invests in aligned organizations that advance efforts in our four strategic priorities of housing, education, economic opportunity, and health & wellness. 

From 2025-2030, Dogwood’s grantmaking will focus on: 

• Capacity
• Collaboration
• Connections
• Capital Attraction

Stronger Organizations Grants

Supporting Organizational Operations, Infrastructure and Stability.

This grant opportunity offers flexible support for strategically aligned organizations that play a meaningful role in the region’s ecosystem through work in housing, education, economic opportunity, and health & wellness; and that are positioned to sustain and grow their impact over time. Organizations determine how best to use the funds and grant reporting is simplified. Most often, these grants are in the form of general operating support.

Grants typically range from $50,000 to $350,000 per year for up to two years. For two-year grants, the total award may range up to a maximum of $700,000.

The North Carolina Appalachian Regional Commission Funds support economic development across 13 states, focusing on infrastructure, workforce, and community resilience. Administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the program prioritizes projects that enhance local economies, particularly in areas affected by Hurricane Helene. Funding caps are set at $700,000 for construction and $300,000 for non-construction projects, with special considerations for distressed counties and workforce development initiatives.

With a mission to strengthen urban and community forestry, North Carolina Forest Service provides Avery County 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal governments, and municipalities with funding to deliver Tree City USA services for hurricane recovery. Eligible grantees manage or subcontract technical urban forestry work under this two-year, US $2,200,000 Hurricane Helene Recovery package.

Artist Support Grants

What are Artist Support Grants?

Artist Support Grants is a program funded by the N.C. Arts Council to provide the opportunity for regional consortia of local arts councils to award project grants to artists in their regions.

Artist fees are also allowable expenses under the new program. Grant amounts vary from region to region. Statewide, most grants are between $500 and $2,000.

Avery, Madison, Mitchell and Yancey Counties

Grant Range:

• $250 - $1,000

The Harry W. Clarke Award honors the legacy of Harry Wilson Clarke, a pivotal figure in educational advancement in Western North Carolina. Established in 1987, this scholarship supports graduating seniors from 29 counties, including the Qualla Boundary, who aspire to attend a four-year college in North Carolina. With a commitment to fostering local talent, the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina has awarded over $456 million in scholarships, reflecting its dedication to educational opportunities in the region.

The Harry W. Clarke Memorial Scholarship Programs, established by friends to honor Harry Clarke's commitment to education, offers renewable scholarships for graduating seniors from public high schools in 29 westernmost counties of North Carolina. This initiative promotes access to accredited two-year community colleges for students, including those from specific academies and home schools. The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, established in 1978, manages substantial assets to support educational opportunities and charitable endeavors in the region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local governments in Avery County, North Carolina can access funding to plan or implement collaborative rural community projects, including economic development, arts, education, and public space improvements. The Laura Jane Musser Fund offers up to US $25,000 for new initiatives with strong local support, volunteer engagement, and measurable outcomes within 18 months.

N.C. Forest Service - Timber Loss Relief Program

Program Overview

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was awarded a U.S. Department of Agriculture block grant to support Hurricane Helene recovery. Part of these disaster recovery funds will be administered by the N.C. Forest Service through a new Timber Loss Relief Program (TLRP). TLRP funds will be used to partially compensate eligible woodland owners for the value of timber loss as a result of Hurricane Helene. 

State and local agencies, local governing boards, nonprofit organizations, tribes, and higher education institutions in Avery County, North Carolina can seek funding for critical infrastructure and business and workforce development projects. With a mission to strengthen Appalachia’s economy, Appalachian Regional Commission provides support for water and wastewater systems, transportation, broadband, entrepreneurship, and worker training across eligible Appalachian counties.

Nonprofits and public entities planning or implementing multi-state economic, workforce, community development, or tourism projects that include Avery County, North Carolina can seek ARISE support, with awards up to US $10,000,000. Appalachian Regional Commission offers planning and implementation grants to drive large-scale, collaborative economic transformation across eligible Appalachian counties.

Avery County, North Carolina public school districts needing K–12 facility construction, additions, repairs, or renovations can access funding through the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund. Administered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and funded by the NC Education Lottery, this program offers US $30,000,000 - US $50,000,000 for eligible county school capital projects requiring a local match.

Nonprofit health care, education, and social service organizations serving economically poor women, children, and elderly in Avery County, North Carolina can seek funding for operating support or specific programs that improve quality of life. Sisters of Mercy values collaborative, multicultural, evidence-based efforts that reach unserved or underserved populations and demonstrate or move toward self-sufficiency.

The ZSRF Community Progress Fund Grant supports local organizations in North Carolina's rural counties by providing short-term funding to address community needs, enhance projects, and foster innovative ideas. The grant aims to empower groups such as food banks and shelters, emphasizing community-driven solutions and inclusivity. With funding between $20,000 and $30,000 annually for one or two years, it encourages applicants to demonstrate existing momentum and align with the foundation's core values.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Edward A. Bouchet Award

This award promotes the participation of underrepresented minorities in physics by identifying and recognizing a distinguished minority physicist who has made significant contributions to physics research and the advancement of underrepresented minority scientists. The program will help publicize the lecturer's work and career development to the physics community, especially among minority physics students. The Lectureship consists of a stipend of $5,000 plus support for travel to an APS meeting where the recipient will receive the award and give a presentation. In addition, the lecturer should arrange to give up to three additional talks at academic institutions where the impact of the visit on minority students would be significant. The purpose of these visits would be to deliver technical lectures or lectures about his/her specialty, to visit classrooms when appropriate, to assist the college/university in pre-college outreach efforts where appropriate, and to talk informally with both faculty and students about research and teaching careers in physics. Financial support will also be provided for travel to these lectures. It will be presented annually.

Hermann K. Brauer Memorial Scholarship Fund

Students must be preparing for a professional career in medicine, dentistry, nursing, engineering or other science, teaching or law. The scholarship will not be used for career preparation in veterinary medicine, funeral direction, mortuary science, or in the ministry. The student must demonstrate clear financial need. To maintain the scholarship, the student must remain in good academic standing as defined by the college or university and have no failing subject. The student must demonstrate clear financial need. To maintain the scholarship, the student must remain in good academic standing as defined by the college or university and have no failing subject.

This will be outlined in your award notification. The minimum scholarship award amount is $1,000.

NCCF scholarship awards are only issued to not-for-profit institutions and government entities such as public colleges or universities.

The LPGA Foundation

The LPGA Foundation supports women and young people through programs and initiatives aimed at empowering them through the game of golf. Since its founding, The LPGA Foundation has touched more than 500,000 lives through various scholarship and financial assistance programs, along with its flagship junior golf program, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf. The LPGA Foundation was established in 1991 and is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which supports junior golf programs, scholarships, and financial assistance programs for women and young ladies.

Dolores Hope Financial Assistance Initiative

The LPGA Foundation has a tradition of taking care of its members and others in the golf industry. The Financial Assistance Fund was renamed the Dolores Hope LPGA Financial Assistance Initiative in 2007 to acknowledge Hope’s generous support of the fund and her long-time friendship with the LPGA.